Barca clear Jeffren to negotiate Sporting Lisbon move

Barcelona have given forward Jeffren permission to quit their tour of the United States to negotiate a transfer to Sporting Lisbon, the European champions said on Monday.

The Venezuelan-born Spanish youth international, 23, has struggled to find a regular place in the Barca first team.

"He came up from the youth ranks and he has helped us a lot," Barca coach Pep Guardiola told a news conference in Miami.

"At his age, three years without playing (regularly) isn't ideal. I wish him all the best."

Local media reported he was poised to move to the Portuguese club for around 5 million euros ($7 million) and that Barca would have a buy-back option.

Real Zaragoza agree deal for Benfica keeper Roberto

Real Zaragoza have agreed a deal to sign Spanish goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez Gago from Benfica, the Portuguese club said on Monday.

Benfica said on their website (www.slbenfica.pt) a transfer fee of 8.6 million euros ($12.2 million) had been agreed for the keeper who joined the club in June 2010 from Atletico Madrid for 8.5 million euros.

The 25-year-old's single season at the Portuguese club was marked by several high-profile mistakes in key matches as Benfica failed to retain their league title.

His chances of remaining at the club were damaged before the start of this season with the arrival of Brazilian keeper Artur from Europa League finalists Braga and Portugal keeper Eduardo from Serie A side Genoa.

The Spanish keeper previously spent six months on loan at La Liga club Real Zaragoza just before his move to Benfica.

Real Zaragoza avoided relegation from Spain's top division on the final day of last season and in June applied to the courts to go into voluntary administration to seek protection from creditors in a bid to sort out their finances. ($1 = 0.704 Euros)